1st - €90,032.00 2nd - €33,920.00 3rd - €16,976.00 4th - €8,480.00 5th - €4,256.00 6th - €2,128.00 7th - €1,056.00 8th - €544.00

Formscan - UNEXPECTED PARTY looks qualified to provide Dan Skelton with a first success in this valuable early-season highlight. The Alcester handler has saddled placed horses in each of the last two renewals and has been bullish over the chances of his slick-jumping eight-year-old, who impressed when defeating the highly-regarded Knappers Hill (impressive winner since) on his seasonal return at Chepstow. There is clearly more to come and a mark of 146 looks there to be exploited on soft ground which should prove ideal. The Real Whacker proved himself a chaser of the highest quality during an unbeaten novice campaign (all three wins coming at Cheltenham) and has to be considered on his reappearance, despite the poor record of top-weights in the race, whilst fellow returnee Stage Star also looks a potential Grade 1 talent who has to go on any shortlist.